M-NASR

Niles Park District and Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation (M-NASR) believe that all individuals should be provided with leisure opportunities that allow for performance at their highest level of ability.Although many people achieve this through participation in a M-NASR program, many others may have greater success in a Park District activity.M-NASR and the Niles Park District adhere to the following basic principles when providing accommodations so as to allow for successful inclusion of individuals with disabilities in Park District activities.

Principles of Inclusion:

The interest and needs of the individual participant will be addressed.

The concerns of the family will be taken into account.

The Park District staff will be given support by M-NASR.

Options and choice of participation will be made available to individuals with disabilities.

Families of individuals with disabilities should contact M-NASR (847) 966-5522 to discuss the individuals’ participation in the program of choice.

M-NASR Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation

Dedicated to improving the quality of life, and through advocacy and awareness, promoting a successful leisure lifestyle for individuals with disabilities.

Join us as we transform life’s challenges into opportunities.

For additional information on M-NASR and our many programs, please call (847) 966-5522 or Relay System (800) 526-0844.

Questions and Answers…

Who Do We Serve?

M-NASR serves children, teens and adults with physical, mental and emotional disabilities, their families and community recreation agencies.

What Do We Do?

M-NASR provides a wide range of recreation and leisure programs for people of every age, talent and interest in our service area.These activities include:

Adapted ActivitiesCommunity Outreach

Adult ClubsCultural Arts

After school Fitness

AquaticsPreschool

Arts and CraftsSpecial Events

Athletics Special Olympics

CookingTrips

Our participants enjoy dances, organized clubs, dinners at local restaurants and the friendship and company of their peers, adding to the richness and joy of their lives in the process.We also offer inclusion services to those who need assistance to participate in programs offered by the Niles Park District.

Where Are We?

M-NASR holds programs through our service area, many near or in Niles Park District facilities.We operate several accessible vehicles and offer door-to-door transportation for many activities.

Liponi Foundation

The Liponi Foundation for Special Recreation was formed in 1990 to facilitate participation in recreation programs.The Foundation was named after Sam Liponi, who was generous in his support of the Maine-Niles Association of Special Recreation and that support continues through the work of the Foundation.This not-for-profit, tax exempt body is governed by a board of trustees representing the communities of Des Plaines, Golf-Maine, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge and Skokie. If you are interested in supporting individuals with special needs by attending Foundation fund-raisers or making a donation please call Stella LiPomi, Foundation Treasurer, at (847) 966-5522.

Corporate Giving Programs

Do you or someone you know work for an organization with a corporate giving program?These businesses have grant/fundraising opportunities in place for 501 (c)3 not-for-profit organizations like M-NASR.If you do, please contact Peggy Wilson at (847) 966-5522.Sharing this information with M-NASR could provide immeasurable assistance to individuals with physical and mental challenges living inside your community.

You

Volunteers and part-time staff are integral parts of M-NASR’s organization, allowing many to enjoy recreational opportunities that otherwise couldn’t.Become a part of this diverse community and have the personal satisfaction of improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.Call Kristine Kuester at (847) 966-5522.

M-NASR Camp Information

M-NASR provides a variety of camps for children and youth with special needs.We offer 5 different day camps for individuals with disabilities ages 3-19 as well as an after-camp program.A staff-to-participant ratio of at least 4 to 1 allows for individual attention, a structured environment and a safe, happy summer camp experience for all.

Activities at camp are varied and may include arts and crafts, games, sports, swimming and field trips.All activities are designed to improve physical and social skills and provide a memorable summer for our campers.